HDD Operator

Reports To:  Construction Manager
Travel Potential:  Travel Throughout the Midwest
Compensation:  Based on skills, experience, and internal equity

Company Profile:

Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.

With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.

Build a Career. Build What Matters.

Job Summary:

As the HDD Operator , you will ultimately be responsible for operating heavy construction equipment, supporting excavation and underground utility installation activities, and maintaining equipment to ensure safe and efficient project execution. You will operate heavy machinery, assist field construction activities, and deliver quality workmanship while maintaining compliance with company and regulatory safety standards. As the Operator, your customers are construction crews, project managers, and telecommunications clients, and you will make meaningful contributions to the company's success through safe equipment operation, dependable field support, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

• Operate heavy equipment in compliance with company operating procedures and safety policies
• Load and unload heavy equipment from trucks and trailers
• Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and care of assigned equipment while completing required documentation
• Load, haul, transport, set up, and break down heavy equipment safely and efficiently
• Operate heavy equipment in and around active underground utilities while implementing all required safety precautions
• Identify marked utilities and develop safe excavation plans to prevent utility strikes
• Perform pre-job site walks to verify utility locations and identify potential hazards
• Understand and properly utilize trench shoring systems
• Perform rigging and placement of underground structures
• Assist with conduit installation, conduit proofing, potholing existing utilities, concrete placement, and asphalt restoration as required
• Inspect and maintain assigned tools and equipment
• Communicate effectively with supervisors regarding job status, work progress, and project requirements
• Adhere to all company policies, OSHA regulations, ANSI standards, and safety procedures
• Work overtime and weekends as business needs require
• Additional responsibilities within functional scope based on business needs

Required Qualifications:

Education, Licensing, and Certifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Valid driver's license required
• DOT Medical Card required
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement or willingness to obtain
• First Aid Certification preferred
• Flagger Certification preferred
• Competent Person Certification preferred
• OSHA 10 Certification preferred
• Silica Training preferred
• Confined Space Training preferred
• Trench Safety Training preferred

Experience

• Minimum one (1) year of experience locating underground utilities
• Experience operating heavy equipment near active underground utilities
• Experience operating asphalt rollers, skid steers, backhoes, mini excavators, vacuum trucks, bore machines, and similar heavy equipment
• Experience with Ditch Witch and Vermeer equipment preferred
• Experience with trench shoring systems and underground utility construction preferred

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment in active utility environments
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans, specifications, and utility locate markings
• Knowledge of utility locating systems and excavation best practices
• Basic computer skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with supervisors and field crews
• Ability to follow OSHA, ANSI, company policies, and safety procedures
• Ability to safely perform multiple construction tasks while maintaining quality and productivity
• Ability to work overtime and weekends as operational needs require

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with telecommunications or underground utility construction
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) with tanker endorsement
• Experience operating Ditch Witch and Vermeer equipment
• Experience with trench shoring methods and excavation safety
• Additional construction safety certifications

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
• Ability to maintain visual and audible awareness of surrounding personnel, equipment, and hazards
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment and machinery
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, squat, climb, push, pull, twist, and work in physically demanding positions for extended periods
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment, including safety boots, hard hat, safety glasses, and other applicable PPE
• Ability to travel throughout the Midwest as business needs require

Congruex Culture & Benefits:

Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor  core values of  Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust.  These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.

We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company
• 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting
• Flexible PTO for exempt roles & competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles
• 10 company paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating)
• Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Company Paid Maternity & Parental Leave options
• Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee paid voluntary options)
• Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year
• Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store
• Free wellness benefits like counseling, financial planning, and more

Additional Employment Information:

We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at-will" employment relationship . Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks and drug testing.